bassjnkie Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 I only go out ice fishing a few time a year and always rent a hut. This year I have everything but an auger, i'm looking for an 8" or 6" hand auger, but there are many out there and don't know which one to get? Would buying used be recommended? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Man Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 (edited) 6" Fin Bore for ease of use is my vote. A friend has one with the electric drill adapter and uses his 24 volt cordless drill. Works great. Edited January 18, 2011 by Old Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scugpg Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 I don't think you'll find a better auger than a Nils Master. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asdve23rveavwa Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 Just picked up an 8" Fin Bore III last week, works like a charm. If you fish mostly for panfish and or walleye, get the 6". Personally I stayed away from used, augers aren't really that expensive...well, the Nils gets up there, but, I figured for $89.99 I was buying new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bare foot wader Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 you can get burnt on a used auger...regardless of the condition of the blades, if the auger has been abused and dropped on the head, drilling through old holes, etc it can throw the pitch off and you won't be cutting much ice with it, just spinning i'd only buy a used auger if it had a conical blade on it, best hand auger IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassjnkie Posted January 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 Thanks all. I was looking at the Fin Bore III, but wasn't sure about size. Will 6" be good for lakers? but I will probably fishing mostly for panfish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asdve23rveavwa Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 Thanks all. I was looking at the Fin Bore III, but wasn't sure about size. Will 6" be good for lakers? but I will probably fishing mostly for panfish. Six inch, would be pushing it for lakers. That's the reason, I went for the 8"...some of those Simcoe "greys" can get pretty darn fat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beginner Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 I bought mine at lebaron 8" pin bore last yr for almost 80bucks I think work fine.. still used it today.. prolly drill 70 to 90 holes and still sharp.. but on the other hand I found this.. maybe you want it, i hope this help.. 39.99 for an auger is a best price.. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Hand-Ice-Auger/product/10219516/-1748839 hope this help... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torco Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 picked up a 6 inch fin bore III at basspro on boxing day. It was only around $60 but having used it I now know why it is more expensive than my previous $45 model. It cuts through the ice like butter. I have heard some guys say that they simply cut 2 holes close together and make 1 big hole with the smaller diamter augers. But if Lakers are your main quarry probably makes sense to go with an 8 inch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gbfisher Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 Six inch, would be pushing it for lakers. That's the reason, I went for the 8"...some of those Simcoe "greys" can get pretty darn fat. If ya need a bigger hole drill two holes side by side. An 8" with thick ice(2') will start to hurt after a while. If you are like me and like to move around to catch fish go with the 6". One hole will fit 10 pound lakers. Over 15 is where it gets tough.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misfish Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 picked up a 6 inch fin bore III at basspro on boxing day. It was only around $60 but having used it I now know why it is more expensive than my previous $45 model. It cuts through the ice like butter. I have heard some guys say that they simply cut 2 holes close together and make 1 big hole with the smaller diamter augers. But if Lakers are your main quarry probably makes sense to go with an 8 inch. Yep, just turn and it cuts by it,s self.And ya, I did the same thing.Cut two holes side by side by side and chip out the middle for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misfish Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 If you are like me and like to move around to catch fish Ya you walk alot,but wheres the fish,,,,,,,,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asdve23rveavwa Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 Yep, just turn and it cuts by it,s self.And ya, I did the same thing.Cut two holes side by side by side and chip out the middle for years. Guess I should have just got the 6"...oh, well, I need the exercise anyways Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smally21 Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 i have the fin 8" - if i did it again id get the six - always end up perching and the 8" hole is a waste of effort! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ThisPlaceSucks Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 (edited) finnbore is the only way. swedebore is for people who like dull blades and enjoy working hard. personally i use a 6" for lakers because of the number of holes i'll drill in a day, but any fish over 5lbs is gonna be a dance. Edited January 18, 2011 by Dr. Salvelinus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassjnkie Posted January 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 Thanks for all the replies. After what I read here I'll go with the 6" and if need be cut side by side holes. Will go to Bass Pro or Lebaron tomorrow. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ah_long Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 I have the finbore III 6 inch... never looked back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fang Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 6" all the way. I'll never drill through 2ft of ice with an 8" again. My heart won't take it. We timed cutting holes on Joseph last year - side by side 10" Power auger vs my 6" Finn Bore with brand new blades It was close but the power auger cut 6 holes about 30 yards apart a minute or two faster than I could with my manual Ice was somewhare around 14" thick Later that day I pulled a 17 lb trout through a 6" hole - no problem As back up I do carry a 36" demolition hand saw that makes short work out of joining 2 6" holes drilled side by side Keep your blades sharp and 6" is all you need Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KelfuN Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 fin bore III hands down!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Cliff Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 (edited) Had power augers, had 8" augers, 6" will do just about anything you need. The difference between a 6" and an 8" (I worked it out and posted it on this board a few years back) is an 8" removes about twice as much ice by volume than a 6" (and requires about twice the effort to do it). the forumla is 3.1416Xr2X the thickness of the ice. r being the radius (1/2) of the diameter of the hole Example: for 6" auger, 12" of ice 3.1416X9X12=330.28 cubic inches of ice Example for 8" auger, 12" of ice 3.1416X16X12=603.18 cubic inches of ice In other words about twice the energy per hole. If you are young and strong; well you choose which one suits you best. If you are like me, I'd rather drill two holes, one at a time than one big hole and be too tired to fish it LOL. As for makes, they are all good if you take care of them properly. I buy a new set of blades for mine ($20.00) then keep them as back up. If my blades do get dull, I just install the new ones but a set usually lasts me about 4 years. Edited January 18, 2011 by Big Cliff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misfish Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 (edited) Had power augers, had 8" augers, 6" will do just about anything you need. The difference between a 6" and an 8" (I worked it out and posted it on this board a few years back) is an 8" removes about twice as much ice by volume than a 6" (and requires about twice the effort to do it). the forumla is 3.1416Xr2X the thickness of the ice. r being the radius (1/2) of the diameter of the hole Example: for 6" auger, 12" of ice 3.1416X9X12=330.28 cubic inches of ice Example for 8" auger, 12" of ice 3.1416X16X12=603.18 cubic inches of ice In other words about twice the energy per hole. If you are young and strong; well you choose which one suits you best. If you are like me, I'd rather drill two holes, one at a time than one big hole and be too tired to fish it LOL. As for makes, they are all good if you take care of them properly. I buy a new set of blades for mine ($20.00) then keep them as back up. If my blades do get dull, I just install the new ones but a set usually lasts me about 4 years. Great post Cliff,,,,,,,,BUT,,,,,,,,,,, Todays hand augers are way beyond what was made "back in the day". The finbor3 is the hands down, the best hand auger made to day.If treated right,it will last a hard water angler years, without changing blades.Less effort then the older style.You will notice there are two handles for turning,not one and a large nob on top.The fin is made to turn,not push and turn. Edited January 18, 2011 by Misfish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 I have a 8in Fin-Bore for when it's early in the season and a Strike King power auger for when it's thick.. I'll agree that popping multiple holes with a 8in auger with 1.5ft of ice gets old really quick, lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muskieman Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 I also have a FINBORE III 8" with offset handle , and will race any stock 8" gas auger for 1 hole start to finish on 8-10" of Ice and beat it and the operator 95% of the time... 15 years ago , when I was in better shape, I used to race for 2 holes just to show off but not anymore. the FIN hands down! Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Cliff Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 Great post Cliff,,,,,,,,BUT,,,,,,,,,,, Todays hand augers are way beyond what was made "back in the day". The finbor3 is the hands down, the best hand auger made to day.If treated right,it will last a hard water angler years, without changing blades.Less effort then the older style.You will notice there are two handles for turning,not one and a large nob on top.The fin is made to turn,not push and turn. Doesn't matter which auger you use (admittedly some are better than others) the difference in energy required between a 6" and an 8" hole remains the same. I have a Swedbore, it was within my price range, it was available, and while there may be better, it does the job for me. Mind you, I drive a Subaru not a hummer LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misfish Posted January 18, 2011 Report Share Posted January 18, 2011 Doesn't matter which auger you use (admittedly some are better than others) the difference in energy required between a 6" and an 8" hole remains the same. I have a Swedbore, it was within my price range, it was available, and while there may be better, it does the job for me. Mind you, I drive a Subaru not a hummer LOL. IMO it does matter. You use your swedbor,then try a finbor(weather it be 6 or 8 inch).You tell me???? Im just say,n. You drive a Subaru???Sorry to here that.LOL J/K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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